Shipping execs speak on impact of US attack COUNTRIES AROUND the world have been stunned by the recent terrorist attack in the United States, which has destroyed the landmark World Trade Centre and a section of the Pentagon. They are also bracing for the impact this might have on their domestic situation. The shipping industry is also mindful of the impact that this attack on America might have on this critical sector. In Jamaica's situation, the Port Authority of Jamaica has increased security on the Port of Kingston as a precaution. In today's feature, shipping executives comment on how the regional shipping industry might be affected by the crisis in the US. They have been asked to respond to the question: "What impact do you think the recent terrorist attack in the United States will have on the regional shipping Industry". Grantley Stephenson, president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, comments: "The recent terrorist attack on the United States will undoubtedly result in significantly tighter security for vessels and cargoes entering that country. This will have the effect of a substantial increase in costs for vessel operators, especially small regional carriers and could even affect their ability to maintain their already tight schedules". In addition, Mr. Stephenson notes "there will be increased scrutiny at both ends for exports to that country, which potentially could cause delays and affect quality, which in turn will have a severe negative impact on perishable cargoes in particular". Patrick Burgess, general manager, of Carib Star Shipping Limited, the local agent for Zim Israel Navigation Company, which is ranked among the top ten container companies in the world, says the real effect will only be known or felt if and when the United States takes retaliatory action and the nature of such action. He adds that due to the closure of some ports in US, vessels have been delayed, but not seriously. Zim North American office moved from the World Trade Centre - where its been based for 30 years- only days before the destruction struck. However, there were still some workers and the Zim computer network based at the centre. "There are no reports of loss of life or injury to any Zim personnel, however, their computer network was lost and we are currently working mostly with a manual system. This is really a rather difficult situation for us, but it is hoped that an alternative to this will be in place very shortly. This situation will continue until the set up of the new mainframe is completed in Norfolk," Mr. Burgess explains. Harry Maragh, chief executive officer of Lannaman and Morris Shipping Limited, local agent for major shipping lines Seafreight, Kent, Contship and Evergreen, remarks that Jamaica's exports to any US destinations is going to be affected by what has happened in that country. "The cargo is going to be subject to vigorous searches. If shipowners and charterers are asked to pick up these additional charges, certainly it will impact on freight charges. We do not however expect any cancellations in service," explains Mr. Maragh. "As far as the cruise industry is concerned, we expect to see a slow down in cruise bookings based on discussions with our principals, this will hopefully not be dramatic. If it is, then no doubt lines will find it uneconomical to call until things are back to normal. Our delicately poised economy will hopefully be able to weather the shock," notes Mr. Maragh.
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